5 min readIt’s a Cracking Christmas, Gromit! As the latest film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl premieres on our TV screens this Christmas on BBC One in the UK and Netflix globally afterwards, it’s safe to say the world’s most famous inventor and dog duo are making headlines once again. Did you know Aardman – the animation company behind Wallace and Gromit – is based in Bristol and the film was created here too? Visit the city and it’s hard to miss!
Here are 9 ways to have the ultimate Wallace and Gromit themed festive break in Bristol.
1. Watch Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl at Watershed Cinema
Where better to watch the latest Aardman animation Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, than at the much-loved local independent Watershed Cinema, just stone’s throw from where Aardman studios are on Bristol’s Harbourside. The film is being shown from 18-23 December and there are Cinebabies screenings for parents and carers of babies under 12 months, too. The film is also being aired on BBC One on Christmas Day, then available on iPlayer and also Netflix globally afterwards.
2. Visit the Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience
Bristol’s Cabot Circus is proud to host a brand new immersive – and festive – Wallace & Gromit adventure. Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience (open until 24 December) is packed with invention where you step into Wallace’s workshop to help him save Christmas with his latest gadget, the ‘Christmas-O-Matic'! Next door is the Cracking Christmas Cafe (no need to purchase a ticket for the experience, the café is open to all, including dogs, of course) where cheese sandwiches, cake, tea and puppuccinos will be served. The experience is located between Bristol Christmas Market and the new Bristol Christmas Village, so there’s plenty of rides, markets stalls, festive lights and even a VR Sleigh ride to enjoy nearby as well. On until 24 December,
3. Try Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Way Out Locked in a Room
Locked in a Room is the largest escape room experience in the south west and, in partnership with Aardman, there are three Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Way Out escape rooms to try on Millenium Square on Bristol’s bustling Harbourside. A perfect way to get into the mood for the new Wallace and Gromit film, and get the brain thinking as creatively and inventively as Wallace’s! Aardman animation studio is located on the opposite side of the Harbourside – even though it’s not open to visitors, there is sometimes a model of Morph lurking in a window to see from the outside!
4. Create your own Aardman animation at We the Curious
Try your hand at animating your own Wallace, Gromit, Shaun the Sheep or Feathers McGraw character at the animation station at We the Curious science centre, at their exclusive Aardman exhibition/animation space, also on Bristol’s harbourside just a few steps away from Locked in a Room.
5. Find the Flock at Bristol Zoo Project
Find twelve ewe-nique Shaun the Sheep sculptures at locations across Bristol Zoo Project for a baa-rilliant festive adventure. In collaboration with Aardman, and in partnership with global art producer Wild in Art, each super-sized sculpture, standing at 160cm tall, has been individually designed by artists from across Bristol and beyond. On until 9 January.
6. Shop at Gromit Unleashed store
Visit The Gromit Unleashed Shop at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway to get all the Wallace and Gromit merch you could wish for this Christmas. From figurines to homeware, clothing to gifts, there is something for every Aardman fan. Better yet, all profits from The Gromit Unleashed Shop support The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital charity who work in partnership with Aardman Animations.
7. Pose with Wallambard Wallace at 360 Café at Clifton Observatory
Sip a warming and decadent cup of hot chocolate at 360 Café at Clifton Observatory where you can sit on a bench on the terrace with a sculpture of ‘Wallambard’ Wallace from The Grand Appeal’s Gromit Unleashed trails. It’s arguably one of the best vistas in Bristol, with incredible views of Clifton Suspension Bridge in the background – an ideal selfie spot. Dogs are welcome too.
8. Eat some traditional and delicious west country cheese at The Bristol Cheesemonger
Whether you’re into Wallace’s favourite cheese Wensleydale, or you’d rather try some local west country cheddar, The Bristol Cheesemonger has you covered. This award-winning cheese specialist has shops in Wapping Wharf on the Harbourside, as well as on the independent high street, Gloucester Road and buys everything straight from the farm, and mature it to perfection, with a focus on seasonality and small-production cheeses.
9. Get ready for Gromit Unleashed 3
The much-loved Gromit Unleashed 3 trail is back in Bristol in summer 2025. Created by The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, next year’s edition of Gromit Unleashed will have a dazzling movie magic theme, celebrating the world of storytelling and film. The Grand Appeal, in partnership with Aardman, will be raising money for sick children in the South West through the trail which will feature Wallace and Gromit, the mischievous penguin Feather’s McGraw and a new character, Norbot, the new ‘smart gnome’ from the latest film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. The last Gromit Unleashed trail attracted more than 1.2 million visitors to Bristol, so expectations are high for the 2025 trail to draw in even more.
